Are you ready to warm up with a delightful bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup? This dish is bursting with flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s an easy, hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a cozy lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortilla strips for garnish
– Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 and takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.
Nutritional Value
Based on a serving size of 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups), the nutritional value is approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 9g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime wedges.
10. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup!
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken to save time. You can also use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving and Pairings
This soup pairs wonderfully with avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the tortilla strips until serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip the seasoning; it enhances the flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender.
- Don’t use too much salt at the beginning; adjust later.
- Skip the canned ingredients if you prefer fresh.
- Don’t forget to garnish; it adds freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Make it a day ahead for even better taste.
- Check the broth for quality; it makes a difference.
- Add more veggies for variation.
- Adjust spices to match your heat preference.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use tofu, beans, or vegetables to create a vegetarian version of the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the soup for an extra kick.
Can I freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers and reheat when ready to serve.
What are some good toppings for the soup?
Common toppings include avocado slices, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy making this recipe and savor each flavorful bite!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Enjoy your hearty bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup!
